THE BOOK OF REVELATION there will be variants to the fruit throughout eternity. God's omnipotent power to create variety "Jerusalem the Golden" was no problem at creation (Gen. 1:29) and will not be in eternity. The leaves of the tree are Revelation 22:1-5 stated to have therapeutic qualities for the nations. Since there will be no pain nor death (21:3), WHERE ARE WE? the "healing" is a reference to preservation from any ill. It is a matter of preservation of what 1. The cataclysmic events of Scripture concerning the new heavens and new earth have taken God has already gained. How He does this is His sovereign right. place (Rev. 21:1; 2 Pet. 3:10-13). Note: It is not directly stated in the Bible that food will be required in the New Jerusalem. 2. Chronologically, therefore, the Tribulation Period is over (Rev. 6-18), the Lord has been However, think about these matters: l) We do not have all the facts about "life – water" (21:6) revealed from heaven (Rev. 19:1-21), the Millennial Reign of Messiah has passed with its final and "life – fruits" (22:2). Yet an infinite God will not be hindered in His purpose to provide the judgment (Rev. 20:1-15). Eternity has come at last! finest for His own (cf. 2:7; 22:14). 2) We do know the Lord ate after His resurrection (Lk 24:41-43). 3) In the O.T. angels have eaten with men (Gen. 18:6-8). 3. What about Jerusalem? During the Millennium, Messiah reigned with His saints upon the old earth (Rev. 20:4-6). It is a time of the Lord's iron rule of compelled order (Ps. 72:9; Isa. c. Its Throne v. 3 © ¥ § 49:23; Isa. 60; Micah 7:16, 17). Christ and His saints are a "camp£¤ " (¡¢ ¦ ¨ parembolen) Different thrones are mentioned in the Bible: 1) Throne of Father where Christ sits on the above the old Jerusalem. (20:9). Satan mounts his final rebellion against Christ , camp, and right hand (Heb. 1:3). 2) Throne of Triune God in total glory (Rev. 4, 5). 3) Throne of the earthly city of Jerusalem. Judgment (Rev. 6-14). 4) Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15) for Christ rejecters. 5) The eternal throne of God expressive of endless perpetuity. Note the Lamb is included (22:3). 4. All the above having been, the flow of events moves into eternity. The new heavens and the Redemption is an eternal consideration! new earth have succeeded the old. Now the New Jerusalem comes out of heaven from God to be planted upon eternal foundations as the center of attraction on the new earth. 2. The ACTIVITY of the City vv. 3-5 a. Negatively 5. The description of the New Jerusalem given is absolutely magnificent (Rev. 21:1-27). From 1) No more curse (v. 3). The term used is strong. It is not simply a ban, but something   whatever consideration of the City, it is a marvelous expression of the character of Almighty execrable damnable. The use of "all" ( pan) adds strength to the negative i.e. nothing of this God. Review what is recorded about its effulgence (vv. 11, 23, 25), its size (vv. 15, 16), its sort remains in the New Jerusalem (cf. Gen. 3:19). walls (vv. 12, 17, 18), its foundations (vv. 14, 19, 20), its gates (vv. 12, 13, 21). All is total 2) No more darkness (v. 4). This is explicated by "no night there," "no need for a lamp perfection. All praise to the Lord. (candle), "no light of sun" (cf. Gen. 2:14-19). In place is the Lord God Who keeps giving light % & (present tense#$ !" $ ' fotizei). 6. Now give attention to some outstanding points. Surely everything moves your heart with anticipation to be there. That makes this study relevant indeed! b. Positively 1) Service indeed even in the New Jerusalem. Those who are there (believers) are eternal + , ( 1. The LITERALITY of the City bond slaves- * () ) douloi). There is no idleness, weakness, nor flagging of energy there. 4 5 . Appears to be: Idea of worship is intrinsic in the verb (present ten23 78 se01 5 3 6 / latreusousin ). What 1) Because no symbols are adequate honor, dignity and enjoyment for eternity! :; = > cf, literality of High Priest breastplate (Ex. 28:15-21) 2) Sight In the City, unending opportunity will be given to see ( 9 < horao ) the Lord. 2) Because expectation for such a city This was withheld from Moses (Ex. 33:20, 23), but promised by our Lord (Mt. 5:8) and to be cf. Jn 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10, 16 enjoyed (1 John 3:2). That face once marred by horrible hatred will be the adoring view of 3) Because provision for resurrected bodies saints eternally (Ps. 16:11)! B cf. Lk 24:38; 2 Cor. 5:4, 8; 12:1-4; Phil. 1:23 3) Sealed The ever precious Name of the Lord will be "upon" ( A A ?@ @ ? ) the foreheads 4) Because of similar passages of the residents of the City. What an identity (cf. 13:16)! Think of it – His forever and so cf. Ezekiel 40:48; Zech. 14 indicated. Therefore, the believer's name's written (perfect tense) in the Book of Life (21:17). Here the Name of God is on the believer's forehead. a. Its River v. 1 4) Sway The eternal set up is here contrasted with the millennial reign of Christ. The EF E J O M N Accepting the literality of the City, this must be also. It corresponds to all that is expected Millennium was limited in time, but here is a reign (rule) forever ( CD F I GH N L G L D K F K E M in the eternal City (Psa. 36:7-9; 46:4). The river is pure (TR) and clear (brilliant) and continues L N L D K eis tous aionas ton aionon)    to proceed (present tense        ekporeuomenoi ). Look at other unusual rivers (Gen. 3:9ff; Ezek. 47:1-12). God the Father (21:3), God the Son (22:1) are noted, hence God the Conclusion So what does all this mean for you, for me? Just this. If I profess and possess a Holy Spirit might be seen with the River (cf. Jn 7:37). personal relationship with Jesus Christ as my Saviour from sin, I have the New Jerusalem as my ultimate goal and residence forever. Failure to believe on Jesus Christ, means I will have my b. Its Tree v. 2 part in the Lake of Fire which is the second death (21:8). I urge you to believe and be sure of One street is mentioned. Apparently the river flows through the broad street which the New Jerusalem. intersects the City. On either bank of the river was a (no article) tree of life. This may suggest a row of trees on the river bank. Scripture states the tree continued to bear fruit (present tense)   one sort every month. Obviously the word "month" (  men) explains to people "in time" that